Crew smiling after hugely successful Deepdale Festival 2018

As the music of Das Fenster & The Alibis fades into the wind, and September becomes a memory, the crew at Deepdale Backpackers & Camping are still smiling from hosting the most amazing weekend of live music. 35 acts excited, mesmerised, silenced and wowed more than 600 festival goers, who enjoyed the sunshine of the North Norfolk Coast and the beautiful surroundings of Deepdale Farm.

Chris Haycock drew together an incredible line-up of music, showcasing much of the best musical talent in the East of England. From the hugely energic stage show of The Thinking Men to the sublime musicality of Tilly Moses. The entertainment of the Last Train to Tulsa departing with the Doohickies to the beautiful self-penned folk of The Shackleton Trio.

‘There’s no way to describe the buzz of introducing so many great acts at your own festival. I love being around such talented musicians, and watching so many people enjoy the music programme we put together.’ said Chris Haycock, the Festival Director. ‘Huge thanks has to go to Tim and Keith, our technicians, who provide superb sound for every act and really lift every performance.’

The Brick Barn Stage was the venue for the larger bands. The magisterial Vagaband on Friday, Mammal Not Fish and The Thinking Men with their hugely entertaining stage show on Saturday. And the brilliant festival finale of Man The Lifeboats followed by Das Fenster & The Alibis on Sunday. A lot of dancing took place in the Brick Barn.

Outside in the Backpackers Courtyard, there was seating around large fire pits which offered warmth and atmosphere throughout the weekend, and the hugely talented line-up of acts on the Backpackers Stage. There was a very special performance by Alden Patterson & Dashwood on Friday evening, which will live long in the memory.

Taiko Centre East displaying taiko drumming in The Orchard – Last Train to Tulsa departing The Orchard with the Doohickies

Across the way at Dalegate Market was the Orchard Stage, where stalls created the festival village, offering very tasty food, Norfolk ales & cider, face painting, massage and crafts, with rings of bales forming the seating. The Orchard Stage hosted some fabulously talented musicians. You could hear a pin drop when Tilly Moses was playing the Orchard Stage, and The Shackleton Trio headlined The Orchard on Saturday night with their beautiful folk. The Doohickies closed the stage on Sunday afternoon, and the Orchard also hosted a taiko drum workshop and street performers workshop.

‘We like to throw in a secret gig during the weekend, something different to the previous years. This year St Mary’s Church was that venue, and the performers were The Sheringham Shantymen. They were the perfect fit for this superbly acoustic building, and we hope that the church will be become a regular venue for future festivals.’ commented Jason Borthwick, one of the festival organisers. ‘Watching our amazing crew letting their hair down and dancing to the amazing tunes of Man The Lifeboats and Das Fenster & The Alibis was a great sight, and showed the joy of the team with what we’ve created here at Deepdale.’

The sublime Alden Patterson & Dashwood headlining the Backpackers Stage on Saturday – Shooffi introducing himself in The Orchard

‘Loved every minute.. eclectic music, well organised, good food and ale.. what more can you ask for’ – Lynn Johnston

Deepdale Festival 2019 will take place on Friday 27th to Sunday 29th September. Bookings are already flooding in, and the accommodation at Deepdale Backpackers & Camping is more than half full already. The programme for 2019 is already under construction, but won’t be announced until well into the new year.